Status
Checked out
Series
Collection
Publication
Aspect (1997), Edition: Reprint, 256 pages
Description
One woman is called upon to rebuild the future of humankind after a nuclear war, in this revelatory post-apocalyptic tale from the award-winning author of Parable of the Sower. When Lilith lyapo wakes from a centuries-long sleep, she finds herself aboard the vast spaceship of the Oankali. She discovers that the Oankali--a seemingly benevolent alien race--intervened in the fate of the humanity hundreds of years ago, saving everyone who survived a nuclear war from a dying, ruined Earth and then putting them into a deep sleep. After learning all they could about Earth and its beings, the Oankali healed the planet, cured cancer, increased human strength, and they now want Lilith to lead her people back to Earth--but salvation comes at a price. Hopeful and thought-provoking, this post-apocalyptic narrative deftly explores gender and race through the eyes of characters struggling to adapt during a pivotal time of crisis and change.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member PhoenixTerran
Since I've been on LibraryThing I keep coming across the name Octavia Butler. I had never heard of her before. Then I began noticing her name on multiple awards lists, my housemates and people I knew were reading her books--I heard nothing but good things about Butler. Finally, I decided it was
For a variety of reasons, I chose to start with Dawn, the first book of the Xenogenesis series. It is followed by Adulthood Rites and Imago--all three books have also been collected into a single volume called Lilith's Brood.
After humanity has destroyed itself itself in a nuclear holocaust, the few survivors are saved by an alien race known as the Oankali and put into suspended animation. Lilith Iyapo is chosen by them to become the leader, teacher, and protector of the first group of humans to be returned to Earth. But before this can happen, she must first learn to live with and accept the Oankali, who are terrifying in their differences. And they are not entirely innocent in their seemingly magnanimous efforts to save the human race--humanity may be changed forever.
Lilith is a fascinating character who develops tremendously as the novel progresses--she's not shallow or static. Particularly important to her development are her interactions and relationships with the Oankali and subsequently her interactions and relationships to her fellow humans. Needless to say--it's complicated.
I was completely blown away by this book and the amount of thought-provoking material packed into a rather small volume. Almost constantly, I was reminded of the issues brought up in Radical Evolution by Joel Garreau. What exactly makes us human? Sex, sexuality, gender, violence, and relationships are only some of the issues that are addressed.
Dawn is definitely one of the best books that I've read in a while. With it, Butler has easily moved into the ranks of my favorite authors. I plan to read more of her work--basically anything I can get my hands on--starting with the next two books in Xenogenesis.
Experiments in Reading
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about time that I read something of hers myself.For a variety of reasons, I chose to start with Dawn, the first book of the Xenogenesis series. It is followed by Adulthood Rites and Imago--all three books have also been collected into a single volume called Lilith's Brood.
After humanity has destroyed itself itself in a nuclear holocaust, the few survivors are saved by an alien race known as the Oankali and put into suspended animation. Lilith Iyapo is chosen by them to become the leader, teacher, and protector of the first group of humans to be returned to Earth. But before this can happen, she must first learn to live with and accept the Oankali, who are terrifying in their differences. And they are not entirely innocent in their seemingly magnanimous efforts to save the human race--humanity may be changed forever.
Lilith is a fascinating character who develops tremendously as the novel progresses--she's not shallow or static. Particularly important to her development are her interactions and relationships with the Oankali and subsequently her interactions and relationships to her fellow humans. Needless to say--it's complicated.
I was completely blown away by this book and the amount of thought-provoking material packed into a rather small volume. Almost constantly, I was reminded of the issues brought up in Radical Evolution by Joel Garreau. What exactly makes us human? Sex, sexuality, gender, violence, and relationships are only some of the issues that are addressed.
Dawn is definitely one of the best books that I've read in a while. With it, Butler has easily moved into the ranks of my favorite authors. I plan to read more of her work--basically anything I can get my hands on--starting with the next two books in Xenogenesis.
Experiments in Reading
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LibraryThing member clong
This was a very compelling read. The storyline is fairly simple, but offers several new twists on a fairly old idea. In a post nuclear holocaust world, a race of aliens pick up a small cadre of survivors, puts them into suspended animation on a giant space ship, and starts working on both
The protagonist Lilith is a very simpathetic and convincingly drawn character. Butler does a great job of capturing her initial disorientation and later ambivalence as she comes to understand what has happened to her and what she is going to be asked to do next. The aliens look at humanity as a race that is genetically doomed to destroy itself (and indeed the behavior of the reawakened humans seems to prove that they are right). They want to save us by changing us. The humans, on the other hand, want to preserve their humanity and start over. They see the aliens as captors and executioners of the human race.
Sex, gender and control of procreation are central themes of the book, addressed in original and thought provoking ways.
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rehabilitating earth and understanding humanity. The catch: these aliens are a race of genetic "traders." Their way of life is to swap genes with other races they encounter and evolve into a new merged species different (and better) than either contributing group. The protagonist Lilith is a very simpathetic and convincingly drawn character. Butler does a great job of capturing her initial disorientation and later ambivalence as she comes to understand what has happened to her and what she is going to be asked to do next. The aliens look at humanity as a race that is genetically doomed to destroy itself (and indeed the behavior of the reawakened humans seems to prove that they are right). They want to save us by changing us. The humans, on the other hand, want to preserve their humanity and start over. They see the aliens as captors and executioners of the human race.
Sex, gender and control of procreation are central themes of the book, addressed in original and thought provoking ways.
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LibraryThing member AHS-Wolfy
Humanity has all but managed to wipe itself out and do almost irreparable damage to Earth in the process. Lilith is one of only a few people that have managed to survive. She is revived to find herself in a featureless cell where a disembodied voice asks her questions and is less than forthcoming
This is the first in the Xenogenesis trilogy and also the first of the author's work that I've read. I think I've been missing out. While this is in essence a first contact novel it explores much of the nature of humanity and often delves into its darker aspects. While this is not a difficult book to read it does touch upon some disturbing concerns and offers much to ponder so in this respect is extremely well written. The world-building and charecterisation of the main characters are also very well handled but their isn't too much depth to secondary characters but that doesn't detract much from the overall effect of the book. The series is off to a very good beginning and although I'm not jumping straight into the second book it won't be too long before I do.
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with answers to any asked by Lilith. It is only when her saviours/captors seem to become satisfied with her response that Lilith finds out what her current situation entails. She has been chosen by a race of aliens (the Oankali) to help return mankind to a revived Earth but there will be a price to pay by way of a trade. Will the cost be too high to save what is left of humanity and is it even worth saving?This is the first in the Xenogenesis trilogy and also the first of the author's work that I've read. I think I've been missing out. While this is in essence a first contact novel it explores much of the nature of humanity and often delves into its darker aspects. While this is not a difficult book to read it does touch upon some disturbing concerns and offers much to ponder so in this respect is extremely well written. The world-building and charecterisation of the main characters are also very well handled but their isn't too much depth to secondary characters but that doesn't detract much from the overall effect of the book. The series is off to a very good beginning and although I'm not jumping straight into the second book it won't be too long before I do.
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LibraryThing member purpledog
Dawn is the second book I have read by Octavia Butler and is the first book of the Xenogenesis series. Years ago, I used to read SciFi regularly; but, for some reason had gotten away from it. Once I read Blood Child, not only did it reignite my love of this genre, it introduced me to Ms. Butler.
Dawn is brilliantly written. The story really explores some of the darkest things about humanity. A discussion of this book could take weeks because of the various topics it explores and those it only hints at. I loved that Ms. Butler choose the name of Lilith for the protagonist, such subtly and power in such a simple thing as a name. What little I know about Jewish myth is that Lilith was a female demon and she has appeared in ancient text as Adam’s wife.
In addition, the juxtaposition of Lilith and the Oankali was totally unexpected. I still have not decided if I like this or not. Yet, it did add to the complexity of the story and made it more compelling.
Whether you loved or hated it, this is a book you will not be able to put down. Just be prepared for something unexpected.
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Dawn is brilliantly written. The story really explores some of the darkest things about humanity. A discussion of this book could take weeks because of the various topics it explores and those it only hints at. I loved that Ms. Butler choose the name of Lilith for the protagonist, such subtly and power in such a simple thing as a name. What little I know about Jewish myth is that Lilith was a female demon and she has appeared in ancient text as Adam’s wife.
In addition, the juxtaposition of Lilith and the Oankali was totally unexpected. I still have not decided if I like this or not. Yet, it did add to the complexity of the story and made it more compelling.
Whether you loved or hated it, this is a book you will not be able to put down. Just be prepared for something unexpected.
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LibraryThing member pwaites
Trigger warning for rape and sexual assault
Dawn is the story of a woman who wakes up in an alien spaceship centuries after the Earth is largely destroyed by a nuclear war. The Oankali pick up the survivors, but it is ambiguous as to whether they are saviors or kidnappers. At any rate, the humans
Dawn is a good book, and it has a lot to consider. It just isn’t really the book for me. It’s difficult for me to put into words. Maybe it’s because so much of the book involves the intersection of sex, power, and reproduction. Like I said before – weighty stuff. But this did mean that there was a certain amount of what I’d refer off hand to as “weird alien sex stuff.” It was completely necessary for the plot and themes, but it wasn’t the sort of thing I liked to read.
Dawn in general wasn’t a comfortable read (that’s the point). So much of it deals with the idea of being powerless and under other people’s control. Lilith has literally no control or choices. She’s completely in the hands of the Oankali, who do treat her like an independent person with rights. She’s more like a tool to them, or at best, the beloved family pet.
Yet, Lilith still has strength. She’s resilient and intelligent. She keeps thoughts of resistance and ambitions of escape within her. The fact that she’s still sane and functioning at the end is nothing short of miraculous.
I did wonder where LGBT people fit into this scenario, but their complete absence may be explained by the fact that this book was published in the 80s. Or maybe the Oankali just never let any out of imprisonment because they didn’t align with the aliens reproductive goals. It’s possible that this is addressed in sequels, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
I would recommend this one, but it’s hard for me to say who to. If you want to read Dawn, you need to be prepared for a rather bleak book that deals with some difficult subject matter. However, if you do pick it up you will find an excellently written science fiction novel addressing gender and oppression. Really, this should probably be on the classics list.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
Dawn is the story of a woman who wakes up in an alien spaceship centuries after the Earth is largely destroyed by a nuclear war. The Oankali pick up the survivors, but it is ambiguous as to whether they are saviors or kidnappers. At any rate, the humans
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are given no choice in the matter.Dawn is a good book, and it has a lot to consider. It just isn’t really the book for me. It’s difficult for me to put into words. Maybe it’s because so much of the book involves the intersection of sex, power, and reproduction. Like I said before – weighty stuff. But this did mean that there was a certain amount of what I’d refer off hand to as “weird alien sex stuff.” It was completely necessary for the plot and themes, but it wasn’t the sort of thing I liked to read.
Dawn in general wasn’t a comfortable read (that’s the point). So much of it deals with the idea of being powerless and under other people’s control. Lilith has literally no control or choices. She’s completely in the hands of the Oankali, who do treat her like an independent person with rights. She’s more like a tool to them, or at best, the beloved family pet.
Yet, Lilith still has strength. She’s resilient and intelligent. She keeps thoughts of resistance and ambitions of escape within her. The fact that she’s still sane and functioning at the end is nothing short of miraculous.
I did wonder where LGBT people fit into this scenario, but their complete absence may be explained by the fact that this book was published in the 80s. Or maybe the Oankali just never let any out of imprisonment because they didn’t align with the aliens reproductive goals. It’s possible that this is addressed in sequels, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
I would recommend this one, but it’s hard for me to say who to. If you want to read Dawn, you need to be prepared for a rather bleak book that deals with some difficult subject matter. However, if you do pick it up you will find an excellently written science fiction novel addressing gender and oppression. Really, this should probably be on the classics list.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
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LibraryThing member nngrey
I really enjoyed this book. It is a real page-turner. I found the situation to be surprising and unpredictable. The author is incredibly inventive. The book reminds me of classic sci-fi, fantastical and groundbreaking, and yet it also explores interesting issues regarding difference and sexuality.
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The writing itself is not particularly rich stylistically, but it serves its purpose. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member eldang
I read this in a day and haven't stopped thinking about in the couple of weeks since. It's an incredibly uncomfortable read. At the end I was angry with Butler for writing such a grotesque scenario, but on reflection that reaction amounts to shooting the messenger. It's an absolutely brutal
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exploration of what complete loss of autonomy does to people Show Less
LibraryThing member Castlelass
The Earth has been devastated by nuclear war. An extraterrestrial species, the Oankali, has rescued survivors and kept them in stasis on their spaceship for two hundred fifty years while they repaired the planet. Protagonist Lilith awakens alone in a strange environment but soon encounters her
Butler takes us into an alien world as seen from Lilith’s viewpoint. The Oankali are very unlike humans, both in appearance and methods of reproduction. They have three genders: male, female, and ooloi, offering opportunities for Butler to explore gender and otherness. There is a new method of reproduction, which calls into question the nature of consent. They appear to be truthful, but are they withholding information? Do the Oankali have humankind’s best interests at heart or are they just another seemingly benevolent oppressor?
Butler uses relationships with the Oankali to explore what it means to be human. She also explores loneliness and group dynamics. In looking at the actions of the Oankali, we find examples of what humans have done to each other throughout history. I found it both disturbing and fascinating.
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captors. She has been selected to learn from the Oankali and train other humans so they may be returned to Earth. Of course, there is a catch, and it pertains to the genetic future of humanity. Butler takes us into an alien world as seen from Lilith’s viewpoint. The Oankali are very unlike humans, both in appearance and methods of reproduction. They have three genders: male, female, and ooloi, offering opportunities for Butler to explore gender and otherness. There is a new method of reproduction, which calls into question the nature of consent. They appear to be truthful, but are they withholding information? Do the Oankali have humankind’s best interests at heart or are they just another seemingly benevolent oppressor?
Butler uses relationships with the Oankali to explore what it means to be human. She also explores loneliness and group dynamics. In looking at the actions of the Oankali, we find examples of what humans have done to each other throughout history. I found it both disturbing and fascinating.
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LibraryThing member mscott1
When humanity destroys itself with nuclear bombs, a very alien species steps forward to save the human race. But help comes with a price.
I generally don't re-read books; however, this science fiction novel by my favorite sci-fi author has been on my mind lately. I was happy to find that I love the
Unlike some sci-fi authors, Butler connects with the readers emotionally and not just intellectually. Her alien civilization is fascinating, but so are her human characters. Lilith, the main character in the story, struggles with her loyalties. Should she fight against the alien 'captors' and align herself with aggressive humans, or should she turn her back on humankind and accept the aliens' proposed deal? It was one of those books that I find myself asking over and over again, what would I do in the same situation.
One thing that bothered me, though (and bothered me the first time I read the book as well) was that Lilith's character was too hard and assertive. She did have a softer side, but she was so wrapped up in her dilemma that she had no sense of humor. Also, I would have thought that at least one of the remaining humans would have accepted the aliens. From time to time, I got a little annoyed with Lilith and the other humans. Also, the book ended very abruptly (although, I understand it is the first book of a trilogy.)
For readers who are interested in Star Trek type alien civilizations, this is an outstanding read. I'm very glad that I returned to it after so many years. Butler is an amazingly creative and talented writer.
I generally don't re-read books; however, this science fiction novel by my favorite sci-fi author has been on my mind lately. I was happy to find that I love the
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book just as much now as I did twenty years ago.Unlike some sci-fi authors, Butler connects with the readers emotionally and not just intellectually. Her alien civilization is fascinating, but so are her human characters. Lilith, the main character in the story, struggles with her loyalties. Should she fight against the alien 'captors' and align herself with aggressive humans, or should she turn her back on humankind and accept the aliens' proposed deal? It was one of those books that I find myself asking over and over again, what would I do in the same situation.
One thing that bothered me, though (and bothered me the first time I read the book as well) was that Lilith's character was too hard and assertive. She did have a softer side, but she was so wrapped up in her dilemma that she had no sense of humor. Also, I would have thought that at least one of the remaining humans would have accepted the aliens. From time to time, I got a little annoyed with Lilith and the other humans. Also, the book ended very abruptly (although, I understand it is the first book of a trilogy.)
For readers who are interested in Star Trek type alien civilizations, this is an outstanding read. I'm very glad that I returned to it after so many years. Butler is an amazingly creative and talented writer.
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LibraryThing member bunwat
This was a re read. I had already read this in the omnibus volume Lilith's Brood. Re read it for a book club discussion and it was still terrific and provided lots of content for a good meaty discussion.
LibraryThing member creighley
Lilith has lost her son and husband when atomic was devastates Earth as we know it. Oankli, an alien species, have come just in time to save the last of the human race.m the aliens have studied the earthlings for centuries as they try to repair what they can of Earth. The Olankli have chosen Lilith
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to lead a group of humans back to Earth. There is a price: To survive, the Olankli genetically merge with primitive civilizations. Show Less
LibraryThing member crdf
This was an insanely good read, what I would call a page turner. I loved the beginning and the end of it, which was very intense and I even cried a little. I must say Butler has a very active imagination and she is not afraid to use it.
It's the first book of Butler's I've ever read and this is what
In 1995 Octavia E. Butler was awarded a McArthur Grant. In what is popularly called the genius program, the John D. Catherine T. McArthur Foundation rewards creative people who push the boundaries of their fields.
What more can I say? As most people, you will either love it or feel disturbed by it. And most people that have read the second part say it is even better. It is really difficult to believe that something can be better than dawn. And it is a book worth rereading.
It's the first book of Butler's I've ever read and this is what
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I find on the last pages:In 1995 Octavia E. Butler was awarded a McArthur Grant. In what is popularly called the genius program, the John D. Catherine T. McArthur Foundation rewards creative people who push the boundaries of their fields.
What more can I say? As most people, you will either love it or feel disturbed by it. And most people that have read the second part say it is even better. It is really difficult to believe that something can be better than dawn. And it is a book worth rereading.
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LibraryThing member MoniqueReads
Dawn is a rather simple book. At least the writing is but the simplicity in the writing magnifies the talent of Butler. As someone who normally would never normally read a book catogorized as science fiction, the fact that Butler was able to trap my attention and make the story more about space
Dawn is more than a story about the Oankali preparing humans to return to other in order to procreate a new species but more about what it means to be human and the vastness of human experience and personality. When the story first opens the reader learn that the Oankali have chosen Lilith to train other humans and prepare for the return to Earth. The illusion of the given that Lilith is chosen because of her strength. But as the story progress one thinks that maybe Lilith is chosen because she is easily manipulated and take things at face value.
The beauty about the characters in Dawn is that readers do not become connected with them but see them as players in a movie. As a detached the reader is able to pick out bits and pieces of themselves from each character and question how would they act in the same situation.
Butler not only questions human nature but she also question how we function in society. Earth was destroyed by a nuclear war, when the story was written in the 1980's the US's major advisory was the Russia. The conflict transcends the eighties and is prevalent for issues the world face today (replace Russia with North Korea or Iran or both).
Human beings are more alike than different-dame sure more alike than we like to admit. I wonder if the same thing wouldn't have happened eventually, no matter which two cultures gained the ability to wipe one another out along with the rest of the world. pg. 133
There is no real conclusion in this book but Butler ends the first book and prepares the reader for the next one.
Pros: Writing, Character, Question
Cons: None
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aliens and a destroyed earth, shows her talent.Dawn is more than a story about the Oankali preparing humans to return to other in order to procreate a new species but more about what it means to be human and the vastness of human experience and personality. When the story first opens the reader learn that the Oankali have chosen Lilith to train other humans and prepare for the return to Earth. The illusion of the given that Lilith is chosen because of her strength. But as the story progress one thinks that maybe Lilith is chosen because she is easily manipulated and take things at face value.
The beauty about the characters in Dawn is that readers do not become connected with them but see them as players in a movie. As a detached the reader is able to pick out bits and pieces of themselves from each character and question how would they act in the same situation.
Butler not only questions human nature but she also question how we function in society. Earth was destroyed by a nuclear war, when the story was written in the 1980's the US's major advisory was the Russia. The conflict transcends the eighties and is prevalent for issues the world face today (replace Russia with North Korea or Iran or both).
Human beings are more alike than different-dame sure more alike than we like to admit. I wonder if the same thing wouldn't have happened eventually, no matter which two cultures gained the ability to wipe one another out along with the rest of the world. pg. 133
There is no real conclusion in this book but Butler ends the first book and prepares the reader for the next one.
Pros: Writing, Character, Question
Cons: None
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LibraryThing member heidilove
i fell in love with lilith.
LibraryThing member amf0001
This book was written in 1988 and feels dated, but is still interesting. There was a nuclear war, followed by a nuclear winter, and some people are waking up in blank, featureless rooms where a voice from up above asks them questions. Are they mad? Is it real? After a time, it is revealed that they
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have been rescued by aliens, the Oankali, who have 3 sexes, male, female and the genetic modifier ooloi who are sexless but essential for conception to take place. They Oankali are traders, who trade genetic information with the species they interact with, changing and being changed... will they change the humans beyond recognition? It had some really interesting questions and observations but not that spine tingling cleverness of say Elizabeth Bear's Carnival. It did give a good portrayal of the aliens but the sex life stuff was confusing and the mating between humans confusing too... I think it probably gave idea to many books that have followed, but because I've read the other books first, this original felt oddly flat. I will read the next in the series because I am interested in the aliens Butler has created. Show Less
LibraryThing member andersonden
One of my favorite science fiction authors. Her books feature dystopian futures with hopeful veins shot through them. This is the first of the xenogenesis series (a trilogy) about humans becoming a new species by blending with the Oankali (a peaceful space faring people) and the predictable
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xenophobia that results. Show Less
LibraryThing member majkia
Rating: Interesting, well written
I'd have liked this take on alien abduction far better if the ending had actually been an ending, instead it seemed abrupt and unsatisfying, rather just a chapter ending to the next book.
The aliens were sufficiently different and hard to understand so there was
I'd have liked this take on alien abduction far better if the ending had actually been an ending, instead it seemed abrupt and unsatisfying, rather just a chapter ending to the next book.
The aliens were sufficiently different and hard to understand so there was
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definitely that strength. The protagonist was torn between willingness to cooperate and wish to be free of the manipulation. And what was truth and what was not was a decided addition to the whole plot line. Show Less
LibraryThing member alwright1
This book is almost more horror than scifi in tone. It has a great premise for the aliens and had some cause for thought about intention and consent.
LibraryThing member zjakkelien
Another special book by Octavia Butler. Very good, if at times uncomfortable to read. Lilith experiences so many frustrating situations and has to face such obstacles in order to show just a little defiance to her captors, that it gets to you at times. I thought the writing style was quite
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matter-of-fact, as I'm used to from Octavia Butler, which I like in particular for this kind of story (throw a person into weird circumstances, and then figure out what would happen). Show Less
LibraryThing member GhostWriter57
Not really my sf genre but was surprisingly good...
LibraryThing member okjlsaz
Great book! It made me go out to get the rest of the series. I also looked up everything by Octavia Butler. I couldn't believe that I hadn't heard of her before now.
LibraryThing member konrad.katie
This was my first Octavia Butler novel and, damn, it puts a lot of fiction to shame. I don't mean just science fiction; Butler deals with intense emotional issues on a human level that lend depth and a supra-genre importance to Dawn.
Finally, a novel with a strong female protagonist.
Lilith is
I will definitely be reading more in this series and of Butler in general.
Finally, a novel with a strong female protagonist.
Lilith is
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front and center, one of the few to survive the destruction of Earth by war mongering humans. The human race has been saved by an alien species who specialize in trade and what they want in return for their actions might damn humanity in a fresh and frightening way. I will definitely be reading more in this series and of Butler in general.
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LibraryThing member stubbyfingers
I loved this book! It was full of very interesting ideas. I was totally absorbed by it.
LibraryThing member Paulagraph
I only occasionally read Science Fiction or Fantasy novels. I enjoyed Butler's Kindred, so picked up Dawn at the local Paperback Book Exchange. Published in 1987, Dawn remains decently credible within its genre. Set 250 years after nuclear apocalypse (US vs. Russia) on Earth. Lilith, a somewhat
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modified & enhanced human, is Awakened by her captors/ rescuers to find herself on an organic spaceship/world inhabited by an intelligent three-gender species of "extraterrestrials" (their own world is long gone)called the Oankali. The Oankali practice sophisticated genetic engineering, or what they call trade with other species. They intend to "improve" both their own species and that of homo sapiens through gene manipulation and hybridized breeding. Lilith's assignment is to awaken 40 other human beings from among those in storage on the ship (the saved remnants of human civilization on earth). She, once she herself has been trained to survive on a new, wild Earth,& once she has been imbued with added strength, endurance, memory & self-healing power, is to prepare this group of re-colonizers to survive somewhere in the Amazon basin. She is to be their leader/teacher. However, things don't proceed exactly as planned. The humans awaken with all their hierarchical, competitive and murderous capacities intact. Dawn in many ways reads as up-to-date because of its consideration of issues such as individual versus group identity and survival; species boundaries; captivity versus freedom; surveillance versus right to privacy; reproductive freedom (control over one's own body)etc. Show Less
LibraryThing member bhabeck
I read this for the first contact category in my SF Reading Challenge.
Centuries after a nuclear war destroys civilization on Earth, the main character, Lilith Iyapo, awakes to discover that she is held captive aboard a starship. Her captors, the Oankali, have rescued the remaining humans and
The basic question is if the surviving humans should "mate" with the aliens in order to continue a form of human species on Earth or let the human race die out through a "clean" death.
This book would also satisfy the non-caucasian category and probably social SF. The Oankali ship is multi-generational for their species although the humans are in suspended animation for most of their time on the ship.
This book is the first in the Xenogenesis series.
Centuries after a nuclear war destroys civilization on Earth, the main character, Lilith Iyapo, awakes to discover that she is held captive aboard a starship. Her captors, the Oankali, have rescued the remaining humans and
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restored Earth. However, this rescue was not without a catch -- these hideously grotesque aliens survive by merging genetically with primitive peoples.The basic question is if the surviving humans should "mate" with the aliens in order to continue a form of human species on Earth or let the human race die out through a "clean" death.
This book would also satisfy the non-caucasian category and probably social SF. The Oankali ship is multi-generational for their species although the humans are in suspended animation for most of their time on the ship.
This book is the first in the Xenogenesis series.
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Awards
Ditmar Award (Shortlist — 1989)
The Great American Novels (1987)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1987-05
Physical description
256 p.; 5 inches
ISBN
0446603775 / 9780446603775